REGULAR CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING The Regular City Council Meeting was held on July 11, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. with Council President Sudler presiding. Council members present were Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury (via WebEx), Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hare, and Ms. Arndt. Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, and Mr. Taylor were absent. Staff members present were Police Chief Johnson, Ms. Peddicord, Mr. Hugg, Ms. Melson- Williams, Mr. Rodriguez, and Ms. Bennett. Mayor Christiansen was present. OPEN FORUM The Open Forum was held at 6:15 p.m., prior to the commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Sudler declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council was not in official session and could not take formal action. Hasan Kelly, 16507 Governor Bridge Road, Apt. 1010, Bowie, Maryland, spoke to Council about concerns and his efforts to clean up the City of Dover. Bobby Wilson, 32 West Loockerman Street, Suite 101-D, Dover, Delaware 19901, spoke to Council about an incident that happened downtown. He explained there is a gentleman that has been terrorizing the downtown community. He further explained that he believes the person has mental health issues and is worried it could escalate and turn into a much worse situation. Mr. Wilson also inquired about the Dover Human Relations Commission and the Economic Development Committee. Mr. Wilson then suggested that Dover Police Department have young people from crime-affected areas on the Police Chief's Advisory Committee. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mayor Christiansen PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council President Sudler ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Hare, and unanimously carried. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA All Consent Agenda items are considered routine and non-controversial and will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Council. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of Council so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered a separate item. Ms. Arndt stated that the minutes from the June 28, 2022, Council Committee of the Whole meeting had her as marked present. She would like them to be corrected showing that she was absent.

Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Ms. Arndt requested the minutes from the June 28, 2022, Council Committee of the Whole meeting be corrected to reflect her not being present. Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the agenda as amended to reflect Ms. Arndt’s absence from the Council Committee of the Whole meeting held on June 28, 2022, seconded by Mr. Neil, and unanimously carried. PRESENTATION – 50-Year Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - Above and Beyond Award President Sudler invited all City Council members who served to join Mayor Christiansen at the podium to accept the Above and Beyond Award. This award is presented to the City of Dover on behalf of the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve Forces, for their outstanding service and continuing support to the National Defense. Mayor Christiansen thanked all the departments within the City of Dover. ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 27, 2022 The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of June 27, 2022, were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Rocha, and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen. COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Council Committee of the Whole met on June 28, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. with Council President Sudler presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Hare. Ms. Arndt was absent. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their committee meetings were Ms. Jackson (Safety, Advisory, and Transportation), Mr. Shelton (Utility), Mr. Contant, and Mr. Shevock (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Mr. Hosfelt (Safety, Advisory, and Transportation), and McCutcheon (Utility) were absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty. Mr. Anderson moved to amend the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Agenda to add an Update on Wages. Mr. Taylor moved to defer Item #1 on the Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Request for Waiver - Appendix A - Subdivisions, Article VI - Subdivision - General Requirements and Design Standards, Section A - Streets (Right-of-Way known as Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue) - Waiver of Requirements for the Reduction of the Minimum Street

Right-of-Way Width, Increase in Maximum Length of a Dead-End Street (Cul-de-Sac), and the Elimination of Sidewalk on One Side of a Public Street associated with a Site Development Plan for the improvements to the rights- of-way of Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue to allow for further development of the properties that these streets will give access. (Dawn Melson-Williams, Interim City Planner) until the July 26, 2022, Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Meeting. Mr. Anderson moved to amend the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Agenda to add an Update on Wages and to defer Item #1 on the Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Request for Waiver - Appendix A - Subdivisions, Article VI - Subdivision - General Requirements and Design Standards, Section A - Streets (Right-of-Way known as Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue) - Waiver of Requirements for the Reduction of the Minimum Street Right-of-Way Width, Increase in Maximum Length of a Dead-End Street (Cul-de-Sac), and the Elimination of Sidewalk on One Side of a Public Street associated with a Site Development Plan for the improvements to the rights-of-way of Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue to allow for further development of the properties that these streets will give access. (Dawn Melson-Williams, Interim City Planner) until the July 26, 2022, Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Meeting the motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Ms. Dawn Melson-Williams, Interim City Planner, stated the applicant's representative regarding the request for subdivision waiver, planning site plan item S 2204. Ms. Melson-Williams explained the planning office received a phone call from the project engineer between 8:30 and 9:00 this morning, advising that their client had some type of emergency that was to take them out of town and would not be available to participate in this evening's meeting. Ms. Melson-Williams advised them to reach out to the City Clerk's office, and they did so this morning. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Ms. Melson-Williams stated the project engineer did not identify what the emergency was. Ms. Melson-Williams explained from the correspondence and conversations her office has had with the project team, that the property owner is involved and wanted to participate and move the project along. Mayor Christiansen called for a point of personal privilege; he asked the members of the audience to raise their hands if they had come to speak on Item #1 Request for Waiver. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Melson-Williams explained the project team was in contact and had an onsite meeting with the individuals that spoke at the last Safety, Advisory, and Transportation meeting. Ms. Melson-Williams stated that included in the packet is a report on that outreach effort and a series of exhibits to identify

each of the waivers that they were requesting in hopes of clarifying their request. Ms. Melson-Williams further explained that onsite visits of Council Members do not typically occur due to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and having to post a potential quorum or meeting agenda. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Anderson stated he was unaware of whether the project team knew about the district 4 Town Hall Meeting. Mr. Anderson explained he has had no contact or conversations with any of the parties involved regarding this matter. Mr. Boggerty stated he wanted to leave Item # 1 Request for Waiver on the Agenda and asked if a vote was taken would the project team be able to come back and re- present the item. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Ms. Melson-Williams stated the planning commission has made a recommendation to Council and action resides with Council. Ms. Melson-Williams stated she would have to defer first to code and it would likely be a court provision. Ms. Melson-Williams warned that the applicant has legal counsel as part of the project team and would tread lightly. Mr. Neil stated he believed there are circumstances involving the section of land that are very politically sensitive and could be misconstrued. He explained he would rather have this item delayed than have it come back and have any recourse coming back against the city for doing whatever actions may take place tonight. Mr. Neil further explained he believed the better choice is to defer the item until July 26, 2022. Mr. Neil stated he made the original motion to delay it for just that purpose, so it is open, available, and transparent. Mr. Neil stated for transparency's sake that the item is deferred until the 26th of July to go over it with both parties involved in this. Mr. Taylor stated he is also concerned with the legal aspect of Item #1. He explained he is concerned about tying up taxpayer dollars when all council must do is wait until the next Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Meeting. Mr. Anderson agreed with Mr. Neil and Mr. Taylor. Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Ms. Melson-Williams stated she does not believe that the land subdivision regulations or the zoning ordinance, place a time frame for reporting an absence. The Planning Department asks that if someone would like to defer action on something or postpone, they submit the request in writing to her office. Ms. Melson-Williams stated in the case of this applicant she referred it to the City Clerk's Office since they are the Council's support staff and manage their Agendas.

Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Melson-Williams stated the written request is an unwritten policy in the Planning Department. Ms. Melson-Williams stated the applicant copied the Clerk's Office on the email requesting Item #1 be postponed. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Engle confirmed the project engineer called the Clerk's Office right after talking with Ms. Melson-Williams and he sent an email requesting the item be deferred to July 26, 2022, Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Meeting. Ms. Engle explained she called the Committee Chair, Mr. Taylor, and left a voice message. Ms. Engle stated she spoke with Mr. Taylor at approximately 9:45 a.m. and asked to defer Item #1 due to the applicant having an emergency. Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Anderson stated legally it is Council's option to decide whether it is a reasonable request to defer an Item. Mr. Anderson explained, that if the request was made two weeks prior with an explanation that would be considered reasonable, however, emergencies do happen. Mr. Anderson stated precedent has been to give somebody one deferral due to an emergency however, it is not reasonable to give two or three deferrals without an explanation. Dr. Pillsbury agreed it is reasonable to give the applicant this exception but does not want to see it become a pattern. Mr. Boggerty recommended having the parties in attendance speak without having to come back on July 26, 2022. Mr. Anderson advised that then one side would know all the arguments in advance with a month to prepare. Mr. Anderson did not feel this was fair to the parties in attendance. Mr. Anderson moved to adopt the agenda as amended to add an update on Wages to the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Agenda and to defer Item #1 on the Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Request for Waiver - Appendix A - Subdivisions, Article VI - Subdivision - General Requirements and Design Standards, Section A - Streets (Right-of- Way known as Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue) - Waiver of Requirements for the Reduction of the Minimum Street Right-of-Way Width, Increase in Maximum Length of a Dead-End Street (Cul-de-Sac), and the Elimination of Sidewalk on One Side of a Public Street associated with a Site Development Plan for the improvements to the rights-of-way of Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue to allow for further development of the properties that these streets will give access (Dawn Melson-Williams, Interim City Planner) until the July 26, 2022, Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee Meeting the motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.

SAFETY, ADVISORY, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee met with Chairman Taylor presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried. Update on School Safety (Chief Thomas Johnson, Dover Police Department, Master Corporal Brian Gedney, Dover Police Department, and Dr. Vilicia Cade, Superintendent of Capital School District) Dr. Vilicia Cade, Superintendent of Capital School District reported the Capital School District has a vision for safety and security and continues to be proactive. Dr. Cade explained because of the incident in Texas, her first steps were to reach out to Chief Johnson and all safety personnel to have a meeting to talk and revisit their plans. Dr. Cade explained she wanted the public to know that they proactively are involved in developing safety plans. They focus on what she calls the four P's as it pertains to the safety and security vision in the Capital School District, on the preservation of people's wellbeing, prevention, and increasing access and opportunities to key safety training at all levels of our organization. Expanding understanding and access to opportunities around mental health and social- emotional support is pivotal in terms of prevention. Protection is the second key, strengthening the district's leadership focus on safety and security, and being proactive, safeguarding, efficacy, fidelity, consistency, and equity when implementing safety procedures before and during the crisis. Dr. Cade emphasized partnerships are where they are very strong and one of the things that she did with Chief Johnson was to revisit a lot of the safety protocols and communications, relationships, and resources that they share with our key law enforcement partners. She explained they focused on seven key areas, increasing leadership focus on safety, implementing documented safety procedures with efficacy, fidelity, consistency, and equity, improving communication relationships between constables, SROs, and the Dover Police Department, and enhancing training for constables and evaluating plans as an ongoing process. Dr. Cade stated they are focused on trauma-informed care, really expanding access and opportunity around trauma-informed care and understanding how social-emotional wellbeing and mental health contribute to issues around safety. Chief Johnson stated as Chief of Police, particularly in an incident that involves children of tender years, in the aftermath of that event in Texas, where perhaps response procedures and decisions that were made at that moment might not have

been 100 percent the best. He stated as a parent and a cop watching that, he was thinking about your backyard, school district, and your situation. Chief Johnson explained Dover Police Department has trained School Resource Officers, five of them. Four of them are at Capital School District facilities, one is at a Kent County facility, and Master Corporal Gedney, who is the senior supervisor in that core of school resource officers, takes care of his facility, and he floats and networks at the elementary school level. Chief Johnson stated he believes it is good information for the council to know that they did get all the key safety and security stakeholders into one room, both in- district employed, and city employed. They did around the table and double- checked everything, and they had conversations about training, compliance to Delaware statutes as far as exercises, drills., security of every facility down to door locks and windowsills, and all the things that might come into play. The Senator's Safety Task Force is made up of constables, police officers, administrators, and supervisors from Dover Police Department. Chief Johnson reported that the entire blueprint system for the entire Capital School District was recently updated and downloaded into police databases and it's available both in the field and in the 911 center in case we ever found ourselves standing outside of a school building that we might not have complete familiarity with. Chief Johnson stated at Dover High School in the Capital School District, there will be a training exercise this July that's focused on the part of these events known as reunification. Connecting parents back with their kids in the aftermath of a critical event is paramount, so they're going to do some live simulations of an event while the school district is in summer recess. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Dr. Cade stated Captain Robbins, SRO Stevenson, Damien Burke, Sergeant Pierce, and Dr. Cade are on the task force. Mayor Christiansen suggested inviting the City of Dover Emergency management Director, Mrs. Kay Sass, Dover Fire Department, Emergency Management Services (EMS), St. Francis Ambulance Services, and Kent County Paramedics. Mr. Anderson asked that this item be placed on Dover TV at the earliest convenience. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Master Corporal Brian Gedney stated they work well together with Capital School District and their Constables. Master Corporal Gedney stated the Constables are professionals, retired law enforcement officers and they stay in close contact. Master Corporal Gedney explained within the school, they all have school radios that are on the same frequencies, everyone understands their role, and they know where the lines are as far as what would be Dover Police Officers and what would be their job.

Responding to Mr. Anderson, Master Corporal Gedney stated they have all the safety equipment they need and are easily accessible. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Dr. Cade explained that safety training includes one tabletop annually, two intruder drills, and fire drills. Mr. Neil stated he was delighted with the due diligence, too often, the city council is accused of not doing enough, of not taking enough guns away, and not removing bad guys, to the point that you would have to have a police state, literally, to do that. Mr. Neil stated the best thing we can do is what they are doing, to be prepared when that attack comes because you don't know when it's going to happen, you don't know where it's going to happen, you don't know how it's going to happen, this is the best defense that any city can have, whether it is in general, or whether it is with our precious kids. They are our future. Responding to Ms. Lachelle Paul, Dr. Cade explained Capital School District has on staff, 15 constables. There is one at every elementary school, two full-time at Central Middle School, one part-time second shift at Central Middle School, three at Dover High School, and one-second shift constable at Dover High School. Dr. Cade further explained there are School Resource Officers at four schools Dover High School, Kent County Secondary ILC, William Henry, and Central Middle School. Dr. Cade stated Master Corporal Gedney does rounds at the elementary school level, so he touches base with all the elementary schools. Dr. Cade stated all Constables and School Resource Officers are armed. Responding to Mr. Taylor Dr. Cade stated all school districts are required by DEMA, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, to have safety drills. Capital School District does safety assessments and certain drills annually and is required to upload safety plans and procedures. Dr. Cade stated there is a mix between schools, some have state police officers, constables, and municipality police officers and some have a mix. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated The Caesar Rodney School is on the south end of town, which is part of the rotation on the elementary school visit. Chief Johnson stated the police department has already had some preliminary conversations with at least one charter school inside the city and the same model is going to be adopted and integrated as far as a common standard response package. Mr. Taylor moved for adjournment of the Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. UTILITY COMMITTEE The Utility Committee met with Chairman Rocha presiding.

Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty, and unanimously carried. Evaluation of Bids – Water Street Stormwater Feasibility Study (Jason Lyon, Director of Water Wastewater) Mr. Jason Lyon, Director of Water Wastewater reviewed the background and analysis regarding the Evaluation of Bids for the Water Street Stormwater Feasibility Study. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Century Engineering, LLC, for the City of Dover, Water Street Stormwater Feasibility Project, for $22,500. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Lyon stated he had reached out to five companies that fall under the category of consulting engineering firms that were minority contractors out of 12 companies solicited. Mr. Lyon explained the minority companies did not submit any bids. Mr. Taylor stated he believed pre-bid meetings need to be mandatory, because some of the minority businesses aren't large enough to get the contracts, but if everyone is in the same room with who is going to get the contract, they know who to subcontract from. Mr. Taylor stated he believed it would bring balance to the minority business owners who are unable to get the large contracts but can have steady work just by being subcontractors from them and it will also help large companies as well. Council President Sudler stated he concurred with Mr. Taylor. Mr. Lyon stated for the record, pre-bid meetings are held for construction projects. This job is for an engineering firm for a feasibility study and is very limited. Mr. Neil moved to recommend awarding the contract to Century Engineering, LLC, for the City of Dover, Water Street Stormwater Feasibility Project in the amount of $22,500, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval for the committee's recommendation, as seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Mr. Rocha introduced Mr. Dana Shelton, the newest Utility Committee member. Mr. Rocha moved for adjournment of the Utility Committee, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE The Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Update on Wages (David S. Hugg, III, City Manager) Mr. Hugg thanked the council for being involved and concerned about the welfare of City of Dover employees. Mr. Hugg stated during the budget process concerns were brought to the council and the administration about the compensation of some employees and the risk that they may leave to find other jobs in jurisdictions that have higher compensation. Mr. Hugg explained they did hear the concerns about competitiveness and the fact that there were potentially several dispatch jobs that would be opening, particularly in our region. Mr. Hugg further explained as part of the budget process for both police communications dispatchers, and fire dispatchers, the council approved and included in the budget a second step to be effective July 1, 2022, for all dispatchers. Mr. Hugg explained that dispatchers effective July 1, 2022, were given the normal step increase that is provided in their contract, and then they will be moved to an additional step, one step further, also effective July 1. Mr. Hugg gave the example that if they were a pay grade 18-4 today, and they were going to go to an 18-5 on July 1st, otherwise we would take them to 18-6 so that they would see an additional bump in their salary. Mr. Hugg stated the pay increase is a part of a movement to get closer to at least regional equity. Mr. Hugg assured dispatchers that as they complete the wage studies, dispatchers are still one of the jobs that's clearly at the top of the list to look at. Mr. Hugg announced last week at a Special Executive Session, Council approved a recommendation for everybody who works for the City of Dover, to express their appreciation everyone will receive an appreciation bonus to be paid sometime during July. The bonus will be a separate check from regular salaries. Mr. Hugg further explained it will be a tiered bonus, employees making under $75,000 a year as of July 1, will get a 2 1/2% bonus. Employees making between $75 and $100,000 will get a 2% bonus. Senior management will get a 1% bonus, and there will be an adjustment or a bonus for temporary work, or part-time workers as well. Temporary or part-time workers do not have a comparable pay scale, so they may be looking at an amount, as opposed to a 1% or something of that nature. Mr. Hugg stated this will be a one-time across-the-board non-pensionable bonus,

but it will be paid, in mid-July. Every employee will get some recognition, and some additional funds from the city, to thank them for all their services. Mr. Boggerty stated he wanted to be specifically clear to the 9-1-1 operators and the city, so there will be no ambiguity. Mr. Boggerty stated this was an initial step to say, "This is what we can do today." Mr. Boggerty further explained it does not mean that they are not open to coming to the table and continuing to develop a meaningful dialogue to come to a complete resolution, such as through the mechanism of opening the contract with the compensation and benefit scope to continue to discuss, where can they move from there. Mr. Boggerty stated this is a new day and wants to continue to show that they are committed to making sure our city, and the employees of the city, are well taken care of, including the 9-1-1 operators. Authorize a Compensation Study of all City of Dover Employees (Dave Hugg, City Manager) Mr. David S. Hugg, III, City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the need for the Compensation Study of all City of Dover Employees. Staff recommended approving the City Manager to conduct a wage equity study of all City of Dover employees Mr. Neil stated this is an ongoing process and it's been ongoing since they paid a lot of money for the Segal Study, which none of the council at that time was satisfied with. Mr. Neil explained in the reviews made by Mr. Hugg, that he was puzzled by a lot of things in the Segal Study that they were concerned with. Mr. Neil further explained that they have been looking at this for some time, it is not neglect, Council has been looking at it, and looking to bring it up. Mr. Neil stated Council is bringing this now with the people who know what the city is doing and how it operates is a commitment that they have already made previously but were not satisfied with. Mr. Neil explained Council is coming down to the nitty-gritty where they have already committed, but money is being laid out to rectify certain shortcomings, which is not the fault of the employees the fault of the Council for not being able to provide it. Mr. Neil stated he believed that the employees who say they don't have any trust, understand that they have been around the edges. Mr. Neil noted this was a no- brainer as far as he is concerned, it is necessary, and something to benefit, not only dispatchers but everybody within the city who benefits because they are good employees. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Hugg stated he expected the new study to take about 6 months and hopes to not wait until the fiscal year 2024, to start acting. Mr. Hugg noted Ms. Sharon Duca, Assistant City Manager, and Naomi Poole, Human Resource Director, would help with the wage study.

Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Hugg stated the $40,000 would be used to buy reputable market data. Mr. Hugg explained they are not going to hire a consultant. Responding to Mr. Hugg, Mr. Contant suggested using an intern program at a local college to help compile data, as this would save money for the city. Mr. Contant also suggested looking at comparable local municipalities as well as for linemen to get information from Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Co-op because that is where all the municipalities lose their linemen to. Dr. Wilma Mishoe, 353 Rita Wilma Road, Dover Delaware stated Delaware State University (DSU) is eager to assist the City of Dover with any kind of issues the city may need assistance with. Dr. Mishoe noted that DSU offers a degree in data analysis. Dr. Mishoe urged the council to consider DSU because they truly want to partner with the City of Dover. Dr. Mishoe suggested scheduling a tour for Council Members and City Employees to see what DSU has to offer and all the research they are currently doing. Mr. Sudler stated he had been speaking with Mr. Tony Boyle, Vice President of DSU, regarding sharing resources in lieu of property tax and good faith as a partner. Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of the City Manager to conduct a wage equity study of all City of Dover employees, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval for the committee's recommendation, as seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Ordinance #2022-07 - Amending Chapter 2 - Administration, Article II. - City Council, Section 2-201 Compensation and expenses for mayor, council, and other elected or appointed officials (Council President Sudler and Councilman Anderson) Mr. Anderson reviewed the background and analysis regarding Ordinance #2022- 07. Staff recommended approval for the ordinance to be retroactive on July 1, 2022, and to send to the Regular Council Meeting of July 11, 2022, for First Reading, contingent on HB 456 - An Act to amend the Charter of the City of Dover, being passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor John Carney. Mr. Boggerty moved to recommend approval of the ordinance to be retroactive July 1, 2022, and to send to the Regular Council meeting of July 11, 2022, for First Reading, contingent on HB-456 – An Act to amend the Charter of the City of Dover, being passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor John Carney, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler.

Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Anderson stated the money for the Council pay increase was allocated in the FY23 budget and was approved by Committee and Council. Mr. Hugg reminded Council that this ordinance is contingent on HB456 being passed and signed by Governor John Carney. Mr. Sudler thanked the city staff, the city manager, and all the staff that worked on the budget and for dedicating their time and energy to our employees. Mr. Sudler stated City of Dover employees in his view, are number one first and foremost. Mr. Sudler thanked the staff for doing their due diligence and wanting to increase the well-being of our employees overall. Mr. Boggerty moved to recommend approval of the ordinance to be retroactive July 1, 2022, and to send to the Regular Council meeting of July 11, 2022, for First Reading, contingent on HB-456 – An Act to amend the Charter of the City of Dover, being passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor John Carney, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and passed by a roll call vote of 7-0 with 2 abstentions (Mr. Neil and Mr. Contant). By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval for the committee's recommendation, as seconded by Mr. Neil and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Discussion of Council Priorities (Councilman David Anderson) Mr. Sudler stated his goals are to create more partnerships with Delaware State University and its resources. Mr. Sudler stated he would like to increase the partnership with the Capital School District in getting out our Delaware mortgage assistance for Delaware graduates starting a little earlier, like in high school or junior high to discuss that program as a way of providing an incentive for them to go to college and when they got out of college to also prepare them for real-life skills and real-life bills like mortgage and the whole dynamics. Mr. Sudler stated he believes that the program was already in existence with HUD, the Delaware State Housing Authority. Mr. Sudler stated he wanted to increase partnerships and not have to reinvent the wheel but share resources. Mr. Sudler stated with the scope of the legislative, finance, and administration committee, he would like to see more organizational support programs and policies focused on work-life balance and work-family conflict issues, fulfilling psychological contracts, and unwritten promises in good faith. Mr. Boggerty stated he wanted to continue to build a meaningful relationship with our city employees, let them know that they are our number one resource, and hopefully reestablish some level of trust. Mr. Boggerty explained even when each

side does not get a hundred percent of something that they understand that effort is being made to take care of our city employees and our volunteers. Mr. Boggerty stated he did not want to forget the volunteers at the fire department as well and make sure to the best of the Council's ability, to take care of them. Mr. Boggerty stated he is focused on economic development and has tried to attract businesses such as Top Golf, and Golf Suites, and now is trying to work on an ax- throwing business. Mr. Boggerty noted he is trying to find some level of entertainment-type opportunities to come to Dover. Mr. Boggerty stated he would like to see increased communication and transparency, community partnership, and engagement with grassroots organizations, or either those established, as Council President said, whether it's Delaware State University or Wilmington University. Mr. Boggerty stated pharmaceutical companies are successful in one thing and it's marketing. The marketing budget is the biggest in pharmaceuticals. Mr. Boggerty stated he would like to market the City of Dover and showcase our parks. Mr. Boggerty explained the need to tell people why Dover is a great place to live, and why it is fun to come down and hold events at the green. Mr. Neil stated housing is a priority, empty houses need to be filled, and dilapidated houses are taken down and put into the hands of NCALL and Habitat for people to live in. Mr. Neil stated the need for rental housing and apartments. Mr. Neil discussed the need to lease land communities that have sold shells of houses and put people in danger to have those houses, have certificates of occupancy, to make sure that's healthy housing. Mr. Neil explained someone who had to open a door of a rental mobile home park that did not have a door handle, had to open it with a knife and had to be evacuated, and had no place to go. Mr. Neil stated the Downtown Dover Partnership is looking at housing for the simple reason that they have affordable housing, medium-level, and even luxury housing. Mr. Neil noted an apartment complex that's coming up, which he will not oppose because we desperately need housing. Mr. Neil explained Dover desperately needs housing because there just isn't enough housing for our people. Mr. Neil explained there is not enough housing for the homeless, they have no place to go, and this is where we must spend a concentration on. Mr. Neil noted The State of Delaware dominates the housing, there are things that they control that the city cannot control, but we must have that for here. Mr. Neil explained the more housing that we have in this city, that means it's more people to give business to the city. We need to have affordable housing. Mr. Neil stated the two government agencies or quasi-government agencies that lend money for housing, are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Mr. Neil stated they both have affordable housing in their mantra. Mr. Neil further explained the only

problem is they are much better at developing and sustaining millionaires than they are at developing and sustaining affordable housing. Mr. Neil stated the city can't do it all, but what the city can do it has to do. Mr. Neil stated that starts with the buildings that are existing, that aren't being maintained, that should be taken down. Mr. Neil explained that is a load on our code inspectors who do a terrific job in bringing houses around and bringing the landlords who don't do what they're supposed to do around for it. Mr. Taylor stated he would like to continue making Dover safe and market properly as being safe, clean, welcoming, and inclusive. Mr. Taylor stated he believed in the need to have a theme to it and that we need to unite with partners. Mr. Taylor noted he would like to review our landlord-tenant code, so we can move a lot quicker when it comes to getting out nuisance tenants, those who are drug dealers, and those who are contributing to the degradation of our society. Mr. Taylor explained current laws are keeping them in place. Mr. Taylor stated the importance of good faith negotiations with all our employees, and affordable housing, Mr. Taylor would like to see improved public transportation as well. Mr. Taylor explained there are a lot of people who do not have cars and again, gas is at $5 a gallon. It will be economically advantageous for a lot of folks to be able to rely on a great partnership, whether it be with Dart, DelDOT, or whomever it may be so that we can increase public transportation. Mr. Taylor would like a strategic plan to be put together by Council so that the 501(c)(3) no longer compete with who they give their services, or they duplicate services time and time and time again Mr. Taylor stated he believes that we have a plan where we unite those 501(c)(3)s that are successful in their ventures, successful in uniting people and bringing relief. He further explained by bringing those successful ones together he believed they could create a strategy that is sustainable and something they can all be proud of. Mr. Taylor noted in the strategic plan, that he would like to pinpoint Dover pride, seems like the pride is not spoken of highly enough or often enough and we are proud people. Mr. Rocha stated his appreciation to Chief Johnson, transforming the Police Department into a community policing model is not easy to do, but he is encouraged by the actions that Chief Johnson has taken thus far in enabling your officers to make that transition. Mr. Rocha noted he had conversations with some of them and asked questions about behavioral health issues, and across the board, it is easy to say, they must do something about the homeless. Mr. Rocha asked how do we know that the homeless want us to do something? He noted the citizens want them to do something, but they must get back to the grassroots or at least identify and come back with facts about what these situations are.

Mr. Rocha stated his goal would be to do some fact gathering so that they know what the data is saying, and kind of segment these facts, so that they can look at it and see where the gaps are. So Council is not guessing or second-guessing what they think is going on in the city. Mr. Rocha stated he believes the only way to improve on it, is to get a deep understanding of what the critical needs are for all citizens here in this city. Mr. Rocha noted there are a lot of great things going on in Dover, such as Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for families. Mr. Rocha stated that is a wonderful thing that they should be touting and marketing to bring people here, to make a vibrant community. Mosaic and a Downtown Dover partnership. Mr. Rocha stated Mosaic and Downtown Dover Partnership are moving forward and that is a bright spot in our community. Mr. Rocha noted the schools are very much doing what it needs to do, and that they can talk about it. Mr. Rocha explained the safety of our citizens, taking care of our children, and making sure that our children, regardless of their circumstances, that we ensure that we wrap our arms around them so that they can be shown the love that they may or not see on daily basis. Mr. Rocha suggested looking at family circumstances so that they can put together a comprehensive plan or a strategic plan as Councilman Taylor had suggested, because they must balance this as a council, and they do not want to leave anybody out. Mr. Rocha stated he would like to set aside some time where they have a session like when they talk about budget and looking at the social service, and nonprofit organizations, but also pulling them in and having a deep, thorough discussion. Mr. Rocha stated he believes going forward, if they understood or strived to understand what the actual community needs are, it may be housing, it may be social services, it may be behavioral health, it may be who is talking. Dr. Pillsbury stated she believes that Mosaic and Downtown Dover Partnership should present to the Committee of the Whole monthly or every other month, so they know what they are doing and where they are going. Dr. Pillsbury noted the city has given them money for this project and they should be reporting back some of their plans to receive feedback. Mr. Contant stated there is a crime issue, that the Chief and the department are working on, but the reality is, that you could put all the money you wanted into a police department, and you're never going to get rid of all the crime. Mr. Contant explained they can address a lot of it and that starts with identifying the root causes of it. Mr. Contant agreed with Councilman Rocha, that they probably need to have people out there and collect real data, and find out from these people, why they are

committing crimes. We can have a very good idea, especially in the youth, which crime among youth seems to be increasing. There's a lot of research out there on criminogenic factors, which are very accurate when assessed in identifying those who are most predisposed to being involved in a violent crime. Mr. Contant noted there is not enough staff for that task. Mr. Contant discussed the homeless population in the City of Dover. Mr. Contant stated they needed to figure out why people are homeless and if they want to help. Mr. Contant stated he worked for a nonprofit that worked in mental health and substance abuse for eight years. Mr. Contant explained, unfortunately, without looking at the data, that roughly half the people did not want to be helped. Mr. Contant stated the other half that does want help, are the people that they need to focus on. Mr. Conant suggested college students that need to do research for a capstone or thesis would be good opportunities to partner with non-profits and kind of be that conduit to bring people together. Mr. Contant noted the city cannot do everything however, they do have connections and can bring people together and kind of guide them in the direction that we want the city to go and give them a purpose and an opportunity to show what they can do and bring that back. Mr. Contant expressed that economic development; more needs to be done. Mr. Contant stated when they had the interviews for the city clerk and primarily for the city manager, multiple applicants pointed out that our website is not the best. Mr. Contant explained that if someone looks at the city, one of the first things they do is go and they look at the website and it needs to be streamlined to put important information upfront. Mr. Conant stated the city has a strong social media presence, but every department has its own Facebook page. Mr. Contant stated the city could improve communication both with the residents and with potential future employers of the city. Mr. Contant stated the city needs to do more for infrastructure. He noted they have made some progress but more still needs to be done. Mr. Contant explained a lot of large, what would be industrial users, that bypass the City of Dover because of the electric rates. Mr. Contant stated that the city top loads utilities based on the pilot situation because the State of Delaware must use utilities. Mr. Contant explained they may not pay us taxes, but we'll get them on the back end. Mr. Contant further explained the problem is that also gets our bigger users who might bring industry to Dover. Mr. Contant suggested reviewing how the city structures rates and whether there are incentives that can be provided to bring new businesses like what they did with the box plant or some of the other businesses that are going to be popping up in the next 12 months or so. Mr. Contant mentioned marketing the city. He stated once the people start looking at Dover, they must provide them with something. Mr. Contant suggested meeting

with the Downtown Dover Partnership, Kent Economic Partnership, State of Delaware, and other economic bodies to discuss what can be done for Dover. Mr. Contant stated several people who are currently homeless or are currently involved with gang violence or other things, are looking for a sense of purpose or employment that can provide. Mr. Contant stated they need meaningful employment or gainful employment that will help them to grow in their profession and career. Mr. Contant stated Polytech Adult Education presented to the council two weeks ago, the city could partner with them for people who are willing to learn a new skill. Mayor Christiansen stated every idea that had been presented by the members of the council, and the members of the committee are terrific. Mayor Christiansen explained the city works on several collaboratives. He also stated the city spends money to market the city, both for tourism and economic development. Mayor Christiansen reminded Council that the charter states specific responsibilities that the Mayor and Council have for the City of Dover, and that is to provide services, trash removal, fire, police, and basic services. Mayor Christiansen explained that does not limit them from developing collaboratives with other entities to do the things that have been mentioned. He also reminded them that there are other social service agencies and other entities that are already in place and that they need not reinvent the wheel but develop more collaborative efforts. Responding to Mr. Contant, Mayor Christiansen stated the enterprise funds that were set up for the city, the water, sewer, and electric, were set up many, many years ago. Mayor Christiansen explained the enterprise funds were set up to pick up the slack on the budget, and that the property taxes that they collect today do not even pay for the police department. Mr. Anderson stated his goals are to cut property taxes to offset the property owner stormwater maintenance fee, reimplement safe communities, enable conduit bonds, help Chief Johnson to find funding for the five recommended officers downtown, a plan for market wages for employees, investigate the viability of state pension plan, find funding for a Silver Lake Master Plan, and research a tiny home community. Mr. Anderson would also like to work with Safety, Advisory, and Transportation to find a loitering ordinance for the city, remove vacant buildings, implement agreeable recommendations for Mosaic, and institute a better supplier diversity system. Ms. Lachelle Paul suggested doing a true analysis, by sending surveys through electric bills and electronic surveys, to get a true poll of residents and what they need.

Responding to Ms. Paul, Mr. Anderson stated by law the City Manager has discretion within the departments of being able to move 5% and that is to give flexibility because of unforeseen circumstances. Mr. Anderson explained that besides that the Council must stick to the budget. Mr. Anderson further explained in the past when that has not happened the committee has been at the forefront of making sure that it has been reined back in. Mr. Anderson stated the budget ordinance is law, and if flagrant abuse of that law occurred, it would result in progressive discipline up to dismissal. Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Mr. Sudler moved for the adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole Report, seconded by Mr. Rocha, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2022-07 Council President Sudler reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinance were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers, on the City's website at www.cityofdover.com under "Government," or by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (302) 736-7008 or cityclerk@dover.de.us. Final action by Council on the proposed ordinance will take place during the Council Meeting of July 26, 2022. Mr. David Hugg III, City Manager, explained that this is the ordinance that accompanies the approved budget and deals with the issue of compensation for the Mayor and Members of City Council. He further explained that the amendments to the city charter are awaiting the Governor's signature and it includes a provision allowing for the City Council to address its compensation during this fiscal year. This ordinance is recommended for approval of recognizing that its effective date will depend on when the Governor signs the legislation. In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of the proposed Ordinance as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows: ORDINANCE #2022-07 AMENDING CHAPTER 2 – ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE II. – CITY COUNCIL, SECTION 2-201 COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES FOR MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND OTHER ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS. CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. David Hugg, III, City Manager, reported that he received the list of General Assembly's Bond Bill funding from the City Clerk, Andria Bennett. He further explained that the City of Dover was awarded 3 million for wastewater and other public works improvements. Mr. Hugg stated that the City of Dover's original request to the state for some of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

funds were not awarded. The funds that the state had available were primarily transferred to the Delaware State Housing Authority as part of a new program for affordable housing that will soon be offered for applicants who want to do projects in Delaware, including the City of Dover. COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Neil announced that we were very fortunate to have terrific weather for the 4th of July parade and the many people who did come out. Mr. Neil further stated that he thought it was great after dealing with all the COVID cancellations. Mr. Neil explained that there was a second parade that took place on Saturday, July 9, 2022, that was terrific, but it rained. The parade on July 9, 2022, was for the Hundredth Anniversary of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association. Mr. Neil further explained how it was amazing how many of the volunteer fire groups from throughout this state, and one from New Jersey that brought up the rear, came to this event and displayed their equipment, both new and antique. Mr. Neil explained that City of Dover staff was in attendance and did a magnificent job pulling it together and making it happen. Mr. Neil stated it was a shame that they did not have the mayor's weather for this event, but the event was terrific. He further explained that he was very fortunate to be able to be there and in his reign on council. Mr. Neil went on to state that there were several of the members from the Congressional Delegation and from the Kent County Levy Court who were in attendance as well. He stated it was a terrific display, including a horse-drawn old piece of apparatus and the woman driving the apparatus, originally from Denton with the horses. Mr. Neil applauded all involved and stated he was glad he was there representing City Council on the reviewing stand because he did not have to walk in the parade. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Regular Council meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. ANDRIA BENNETT CITY CLERK All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of July 11, 2022, are hereby approved. ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN MAYOR /AB S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS\Council-Minutes\2022\July 2022\07-11-2022 REGULAR.wpd